By Luke Cawdell

Garry Richards has more reason than most for looking forward to Saturday's clash with Stoke City as he had to watch Gillingham's last big FA Cup game from the stands.

Three years ago Gillingham took on Aston Villa in the third round at Priestfield but Richards was unable to play.

He was banned after being reported to the Football Association by Brentford for his part in a mass brawl during a league clash weeks before.

It wasn’t the first time he had missed a big game. He was also suspended while at former club Colchester for their fifth round contest at Chelsea and missed Gills’ League Cup encounter with Blackburn through injury.

Richards (pictured), who has been a regular at the heart of Gills’ defence this season, is now hoping nothing goes wrong ahead of the third round match against Stoke on Saturday.

He said: "You always want to be involved in the big games. I missed the Chelsea game at Stamford Bridge as well as the Blackburn and the Villa game here.

"It looked like it was never going to happen so I have tried not to get too wrapped up in this game because you never know what’s around the corner. The game is here now, though, and I am looking forward to it."

How important is Garry Richards' presence in Gills' back four? Have your say below.